INVESTMENT PIECES THE TRENCH COAT

With the changing of the clocks, it seems we’ve pressed fast forward into the peak of the spring season- with little time to prepare sunshine appropriate outfits. Snowdrops are last season’s news and Magnolias are ready to be admired; the latest darling of Instagram. Blessed with an extra hour of daylight, I, for one, am not complaining. For me, spring marks the return of outfits posts, lighter layers and an increased enthusiasm for life.

Although spring may be in bloom, the sunshine can be deceivingly cool so I’ve rarely left home without a light jacket: a classic trench coat has become a trusty ally when defending against the March chill. And, it was thanks to Jack Wills for reminding me of this hardworking wardrobe hero when they recently shared how to style women’s trench coats- a piece which not only offers style tips on how to wear investment pieces the trench coat in particular, but also explains its history and why it has become such a well-loved classic.

Now, regular readers will know that I’m unlikely to ever adopt a rolled jeans and sneakers style aesthetic (as much as I would love to, I find jeans uncomfortable and unflattering) but Breton? That’s a mere step away from nautical, and nautical is a style language I am fluent in. Like all keen linguists, I study the intricacies of its lexicon to learn which elements must be paired and where. So, in true Parisian style, who could omit a generous smearing of red alongside navy? Not me.

Throughout my twenties, I would dabble with the trends that I thought I should be wearing: flared, shapeless jeans, statement belts, denim mini skirts, halter neck tops, you name it! These pieces I returned to, but never felt comfortable wearing. Looking back, I wonder why I persevered for so long! Being in my thirties, I’m comfortable in my skin and know who I am (which is a completely different feeling to that in my twenties) so, I understand my personal style and the core pieces that I return to for longevity. I’m now confident to spend money on investment pieces the trench coat in particular, knowing I’ll wear them until they’re ready to be donated as rags. A trench coat will always be an investment piece to me.

This trench has been with me for almost four years now and unsurprisingly, it’s not the first time I’ve featured it on the blog. Do you remember this post from January 2016? Or this post from October 2013? Yes, this trench coat is still a key piece of mine and didn’t cost a lot, although I’d have happily paid more had I known how long it would last.

Susie of Old Fashioned Susie has a novel way of describing her investment pieces. In this post, she describes them as workers and explains how she wants the majority of her wardrobe to predominantly feature hard-working pieces. Well Susie- this trench coat is a grafter! My coat’s CV demonstrates years of experience and, as you can see from its history, it’s happy to work alongside a variety of statement prints in the workplace. I’ll happily provide a testimony to its good character!

These images were taken in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter, have you ever visited? It was during Saturday’s journey to the #LivBloggersIgnite event that I happened to stumble upon the quarter and discover the housing that was once built for Liverpool’s elite. I was charmed by its character and knew I’d return to shoot outfit photographs, little did I know it would be in less than 24 hours!

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Good to have you blogging again. And you look great – that dress is adorable.

Polkadot Pink

Thank you Rosie, I’ve certainly missed writing!

Old Fashioned Susie

Thanks for the mention darling! It certainly is a grafter. Love your look

Kezzie

Dress of dreams!!! It suits you so beautifully and isn’t the Georgian Quarter just the most perfect setting for it!
A Trench is a great idea. I regret greatly, not buying a super one when I was out charityshopping with Hazel and Sophie in Ipswich as there was a great one like yours but I put it down as I’ve bought so much. I do have that style of coat in emerald green, black, brown, red and pale blue though and they are classic coats to keep for a long time!

Oh my goodness, Donna, I am soooo jealous! I was supposed to go charityshopping with my flute quartet today but in the end decided not to go along as I have given up shopping for Lent and it would just be torture- my friend Anne picked up THE MOST AMAZING vintage sailor dress for £4!!! It’s a good thing I wasn’t there as Lent or no Lent, there might have been a battle for it!!! I will email you the picture- you have to see it!!!
xx

Hi, I'm Donna!

FASHION MAGPIE unearthing playful prints, style heroes and vintage treasures- without blowing the budget! Weaving fashion with the fabric of life's adventures. Won't you see what you can find?